Genetic and phytochemical diversity of blackberries and cranberries originating in Bulgaria and Norway and their biological activity with regard to human health

Project facts

Project promoter:
Agrobioinstitute
Project Number:
BG09-0005
Target groups
Minorities,
Researchers or scientists
Status:
Completed
Initial project cost:
€250,000
Final project cost:
€84,329
From EEA Grants:
€ 64,512
The project is carried out in:
Bulgaria

More information

Description

Wild berries are very popular because of the long tradition of their use as dietary resources with well-known nutritional and medicinal properties. Naturally occurring lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) are widely used in cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical industry, which makes them economically significant. Extracts of both types of berries are marketed in the form of compositions for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases, disorders of the blood vessels, urinary and gastrointestinal tract. Their leaves have traditionally been used in folk medicine for treatment of diabetes. The main objective of the project is a comparative analysis of the fruit and leaves of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) originating in Bulgaria and Norway by multidisciplinary research, including phytochemical, genetic and biological evaluation related to human health. An important part of the project is the inclusion of minority groups - Roma and Turks living near natural deposits of wild berries, as the project is organizing a seminar to explain the benefits of fruits and training them how to collect and preserve. The project activities include:Collection of plant material from blackberries and cranberries from 3 regions in Bulgaria and Norway. Evaluation of the phytochemical and genetic diversity. In vitro testing of the plant extracts for antivirus and antitumor activity. Organization of seminars on awareness of the benefits of wild fruits in minority groups. Preparation of joint publications in referred magazines. The donor project partner will participate in joint research and training activities and will produce shared project results. The partnership will achieve joint research results in the research field.

Summary of project results

All project indicators were met, as follows: joint research implemented in the field of Immunology, 5 new computer programmes developed, 1 joint visit implemented, 1 international research conference held, 1 joint research paper submitted. Knowledge transfer from Norway to Bulgaria implemented and new research and diagnostic methods introduced in Bulgaria.

Summary of bilateral results

The partnership resulted in joint research implemented in the field of Immunology, 5 new computer programmes developed, 1 joint visit implemented, 1 joint research paper submitted. Knowledge transfer from Norway to Bulgaria implemented and new research and diagnostic methods introduced in Bulgaria.